July 2009 Herb of the Month - German Chamomile
Matricaria recuitita

Family:

Asteraceae

German Chamomile is a fast growing annual from the daisy family. It is native to Europe and is cultivated in many temperate countries. It is a branching herb with finely divided ferny bright green leaves. The small daisy like flowers have collars of white petals around a cone shaped yellow centre. The plant grows to about 90cm high, but often looks smaller as it tends to lay down a little when covered in flowers. The entire plant has an apple scent and planted in the garden is said to help sickly plants to grow.

It is closely related to Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile), a perennial chamomile that can be used as a ground cover in cooler climates and has many of the same medicinal properties as German Chamomile.

Chamomile likes a sunny spot, with good drainage. Here in South East Queensland it grows well through the cooler months; seeds can be planted from the end of March through to spring. Plants sown in March, April will be flowering throughout winter and well into spring. It tolerates dry conditions and self seeds readily. It will not self sow in extreme heat or wet. Unless the soil is very poor chamomile does not need fertiliser.

Growing chamomile near other herbs is said to make those herbs have stronger medicinal qualities and make the neighboring plants stronger and healthier. A cooled tea of the flowers can be used as a spray for seedlings, to prevent fungal disease.

Chamomile has been used for centuries as a medicinal plant, mostly for gastrointestinal complaints.

Chamomile has anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and smooth muscle-relaxing effects, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract.

The part used medicinally is the flowers, they can be gathered as soon as they bloom, use them fresh or dry them for later use.

To make a herbal tea, place 1 tablespoon of fresh flowers into a cup and pour over boiling water, cover and steep for 5-10 minutes. When using dried flowers; use 1-2 teaspoons to a cup of boiling water. Strain before drinking.

To calm and soothe the nerves and bring on restful sleep, drink a cup of warm Chamomile tea. The flower tea can also bring relief to wind and tummy pain as well as period pain and irritability.

Suitable for children a tea will soothe an irritable child, ease indigestion, wind, bloating and colic. An infusion of the flowers can also be added to the bath water to relax an upset baby or relieve the inflammation of nappy rash. Breastfeeding mum can also drink the tea to relieve a colicky baby as well as being relaxing for her.

For use externally, make the tea much stronger, about 1cup of fresh flowers to 2 cups of water. This can be used as a wash for sore, inflamed and itchy skin. You can also soak a towel in the warm chamomile tea to place on a child’s tummy to relieve tummy upsets. Soak eye pads in the tea to place on sore tired eyes.

The tea can also be used as a rinse for blond hair to restore highlights.

Use as a facial steam to open the pores, kill bacteria, and soothe inflammation.

Cautions

Chamomile should not be used by people allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, or asters.